Student of the Week

Awards/Honors

Eagle Scout BSA
National Merit Commended, 2006
Texas Scholar, LeaderShape Institute graduate, 2007
Golden Key International Honor Society, 2007
Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honor Society, 2008
Leadership Academy graduate, 2008
UTPA Opportunity Scholarship, 2007
Meadows Scholarship, 2007
Jones Academic Scholarship, 2008
University Scholars, 2007-present
Howard Hughes Medical Institute Undergraduate Research Program, 2008
Deans List – First, 2007-2008
Premedical Honors College with Baylor College of Medicine, 2007-present.

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Raghuveer Puttagunta, 19, a senior at The University of Texas-Pan American, is a member of the Premedical Honors College with Baylor Medical Program and plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry in May 2011. Puttagunta graduated third in his class from the Science Academy of South Texas in 2007. In high school he was a member of the National Honor Society, University Interscholastic League, Junior Engineers Technology Society, and graduated under the Distinguished Achievement Plan. While attending UTPA, Puttagunta has been heavily involved in the University community. He currently serves a vice president of the Student Government Association, is founder of the UTPA chapter of Engineers without Borders, and is a research assistant for UTPA assistant professor of chemistry Dr. Joanne Rampersad-Ammons, currently working on antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Puttagunta is also a graduate of the Student Leadership Academy and a member of the Rotaract Club.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to attend Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. After medical school I hope to become a neurologist.

Do you plan to return to the Valley?

Of course! The Rio Grande Valley is a great place to live. It has a mixed culture that cannot be found anywhere else. After finishing my medical training I plan to return and help the community that has given so much to me.

What has your education done for you?

So far my education has put my goals into perspective. It is difficult to comprehend the amount of commitment a career as a physician requires, however, the classes and educators I have interacted with have assisted in bringing my goals closer in reach. It has also allowed me to better understand different customs as well as provided an opportunity to meet professionals in my future career.

How do you feel about your UTPA experience?

UTPA is an awesome place that has motivated me to accomplish my goals. The community here has encouraged me to test myself through the different components of university life. I have been given an opportunity to learn the intricacies of human subject research and to interact with professionals in the community that I would not be able to do anywhere else. I am so proud of what UTPA has offered and challenged me to accomplish.

What is your best tip for success?

Ask for help if you need it. To be competitive you have to be able to always learn from others. I have learned that there are always resources which can help you out, so take advantage of other’s experiences and apply them to your own situations. Having the ability to quickly recognize mistakes and rectify them induces success.

What advice do you have for college-bound students?

Learn about different careers, find out what you enjoy, and pursue it. Finding something that you truly enjoy is difficult and can only be discovered by having personal experiences. Also try not to procrastinate, but make sure to make time to enjoy university life and the opportunities it gives you.